Tatiana Cesso
Brazilian coffee once again took center stage as Fazenda Serra do Boné, a farm located in Araponga, Minas Gerais, claimed the prestigious “Best of the Best” title at the 9th Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award. Judges described the coffee as creamy, sweet, and full-bodied, with an elegant balance of fresh fruit aromas, caramel undertones, subtle hints of brown sugar, and a persistent chocolate finish with floral notes of jasmine—an exquisite representation of its Brazilian origin.
Judges and Celebration
The panel of distinguished judges included culinary icons like Massimo Bottura, Chef Patron of Osteria Francescana and founder of Food for Soul, and Viki Geunes, chef-owner of three-Michelin-starred Zilte in Antwerp. Renowned coffee tasters Felipe Isaza and Dessalegn Oljirra Gemeda, alongside journalists Vanessa Zocchetti (Madame Figaro), Sebastian Späth (Falstaff), and Josh Condon (Robb Report), also contributed to the decision.
This year’s celebration brought together public figures including filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, artist Marina Abramović, and fashion icons like Pat Cleveland and Alex Riviere. The gala dinner was hosted by Spanish TV journalist Olivia Frejus Lloyd at Peak in Hudson Yards, New York City.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Produced by Matheus Lopes Sanglard, the award-winning coffee exemplifies sustainable practices. Fazenda Serra do Boné employs organic fertilizers, biological pest control, and by-product reuse to maintain soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. The farm’s coffee uses the pulped natural technique, which enhances sugars and aromas, and its altitude of 1,000 to 1,400 meters results in beans with unique flavor nuances.
“Our agricultural practices respect the environment. We conserve springs, protect water sources, and minimize chemical use,” Sanglard shared. These measures ensure superior quality while preserving the environment.
Driving Global Coffee Sustainability
The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award isn’t just about celebrating flavor; it also fosters global discussions on sustainable coffee production. Earlier in the day, a roundtable titled “Global Coffee Alliance: Mobilizing a Public-Private Fund to Fight Climate Change” was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Featuring speakers like illycaffè President Andrea Illy, Italian Ambassador to the UN Maurizio Massari, and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Massimo Bottura, the event emphasized collaborative efforts to tackle climate change through sustainable coffee practices.
A Global Leader in Coffee Excellence
Competing against coffee-producing nations like Ethiopia, Guatemala, and India, Fazenda Serra do Boné’s victory underscores Brazil’s ongoing leadership in the global coffee industry. As a long-time supplier to illycaffè, the farm’s innovative and eco-conscious practices reflect the artistry and dedication behind each cup.
The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award remains a beacon of excellence, celebrating not only the finest coffee but also the sustainable practices and passionate individuals who make it possible.
SHOP:
Arabica Selection Whole Bean Brasile Cerrado Mineiro
